Monthly Archives: December 2017

Yoga’s ethical guidelines include satya, truthfulness. Arguably, practicing the ethical guidelines in movement is what makes a movement yoga. Exercise sessions (yoga asana or postures) become a place to realize where our bodies are in relation to a value we want to bring to life. There are many different aspects of truthfulness in action that can be examined. This article examines the relativity of truthfulness.

Relativity in this context implies our perception of a phenomena is based on our position in space. An example that is often used is the sound an engine of a car makes as it approaches and then as it moves away. The pitch will change. As it comes near it starts at a higher pitch and comes down as it approaches. Then as it moves away it becomes a lower pitch. At different times in this relationship it is true that this same object appears to be making a high pitched sound and at others a low pitched sound and they are both true. That truth is based on our relationship to the object. So you could say there is ‘your truth’. There are three ways we can use this idea during movement practice.

#1. Our bodies go through a cycle of birth, growth, blossoming and fading. They do this over the course of a lifetime and over the course of a day. There can be other cycles of birth, growth, blossoming and fading within our lives. Our movement practice is a place to recognize where your body is in it’s cycles. The observer mind notices the position of the body in relationship to these cycles and to time.

#2. Over time we may accumulate the effects of developed beliefs, thoughts and emotions. They harden in the body and create holding patterns. Observing our body through movement with honesty is an opportunity to see these holding patterns. Letting them go through various means of breath and movement gives a chance at new birth.

#3. A vitally important point about the relativity of truth created by living in a body is that the object making the sound is the same object no matter the perspective of the observer. In movement, we develop the observer self to discover what the one constant is. Some have named this the Divine, the Tao, the Universal Truth, Cosmic Consciousness….

The practice of truthfulness in movement can be done as one goes through the day as well. Observe yourself, appreciate the variety of perspectives of those around you as well as your own, and seek the One Truth.

The use of compression has been around since the time of Hippocrates (5th century BCE). In modern times research has proven their effectiveness in certain conditions such as venous insufficiency and leg ulcers. In general, there is a rising use of compression stockings for other reasons.

How compression works. Veins, which return blood to the heart, have valves. If the walls of the vein become weakened, those valves can fail to close, causing pooling of blood in the veins. Over time, this leads to a back of fluid in the tissue space. The lymph system which normally transport this fluid away becomes overwhelmed and the legs can become chronically swollen, discolored and hard. Compression can support the veins and skin so that they can function better. The effect can be dramatic, but also slow and accumulative over time. Like watering a plant, consistency can result in a bigger healthier plant. So regular use of compression can result in healthier tissues over the course of years. This is shown in research for conditions such as lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency. Some speculate that it is good for prevention and other uses as well, such as travel and sport.

Research supports the use of compression when on air flights longer than four hours. The research is mixed on the use of compression for sport. One study Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, with positive results, showed that using compression socks reduced heart rates during exercise as well as lactate values and increased oxygen saturation. The study received product support from Zoot Sports, an athletic gear supplier. Although compression most likely won’t improve performance, it could help prevent some soreness.

Is compression something you should consider?

Many people have jobs that require a lot of prolonged sitting or standing. If your legs feel tired and achy at the end of the day, compression can help your legs feel better, and prevent a worse problem.

How to easily make compression a part of your wardrobe

Apply these steps to making compression a natural part of your daily routine:

#1 Finding something you enjoy wearing. There are an increasing number of compression products for all parts of the body, and for different activities. There is more choice in colors and patterns. If you find something that appeals to you, you are more likely to wear it.

#2 Ease your way into it. Compression varies in strength and the amount of the body that is covered. Different conditions require different amounts of compression. If you are not used to wearing compression, starting with lighter compression over a smaller area and for a shorter amount of time. Then work into more vigorous compression. That process can help you be consistent. You may choose to wear compression only with work or exercise, and give your self time off at other times.

#3 Work with someone who can help you find the right product for you. Due to the increasing complexity of the compression market, there are people who dedicate their work to helping people find the right compression and fit. Isaac Nelson, at Therapy Solutions, is a certified lymphedema therapist and massage therapist who offers the service of garment consultations for better health, and sport performance!